BIG BOATS AHOY: The presence of cruise ships in Santa Barbara more than doubled over the last year in 2013, with 22 visits, which Visit Santa Barbara’s Kathy Janega-Dykes believes is a much-needed boost for the economy. “Each brings thousands of passengers and prospective future customers to our harbor and downtown and surrounding areas for a day of touring and shopping and exploring,” she said.

CALLING ALL CRUISES: Though Santa Barbara Channelkeeper continues to test the wake behind cruise ships for
evidence of unwanted dumping the organization’s Ben Pitterle is now making its efforts better known by calling each captain on the radio to remind them they have entered the voluntary no-dumping zone, which extends 12 miles from the City of Santa Barbara. “I really believe this is effective,” said Pitterle, “because we are present.”